most of the thermal mugs suck: they either leak or don't keep heat well. If they do keep heat well, either your burn your lips at the metal brim, or since you can't see well inside you can't see how much fluid is getting out so you end up like putting half of the content in your mouth and burn your mouth too!

Most of them leave unpleasant metal or plastic taste, especially if you drink tea.

I want to get those little USB mug warmers that you plug-in to your PCs - I saw it on Xmas gift section in the Times.

I don't think we're agreeing. The *plastic* migo mugs are, as far as I'vebeen able to find, the best of the plastics. Good, solid, a lid that stays onwhen the mug falls off the table, and a really nice closing mechanism.

Mine fell off the roof of my car (oops) at 30mph and keeps on ticking.

The one place where they fail is in keeping things warm or cold for longperiods. But I don't think they're designed with that purpose anyway. Takes a few dishwashings before the plastic taste goes away, too.